As we move into the Advent season with its preparation for Christmas Eve and recitations of the angels’ message to the shepherds of “Peace on Earth,” we lament that the nation of Israel is at war. The people of Israel were attacked on October 7 by Hamas terrorists. Since then, Israel has responded by pushing into Gaza, to root out Hamas and restore peace and security for Israel. Even now, eight weeks into the battle, there is the threat that the war may spread if other countries join in the fighting against the nation of Israel.
War is something that has been part of humanity almost from the very beginning. Pride, jealousy, covetousness, the desire for power or revenge, fear – all these traits and more contribute to mankind’s history of warring against one another.
Of course, our animosity one toward another is indicative of our fall from perfection. The sin that entered the calm beauty of the Garden has wreaked havoc on the purity of God’s good creation. Ever since the Fall, man has been at war. Our flesh does not seek the good of our neighbor, but seeks its own good, regardless of what that might mean for others. Our fallen flesh is set even against the Creator, against God Himself.
Satan’s strike against our first parents has devastated the landscape of the human race. Psalm 53 says, “No one does good, not even one!” All mankind was under the curse and consequence of sin. War between us is evidence of the destruction the Fall has brought.
Enter the angels who appeared to lowly shepherds in the calm of the night on a hillside outside of Bethlehem. They came with stunning news! The longed-for baby had been born; the One who would undo what Satan had done, who would restore life to people dead in their trespasses and sins. This baby would be light in the darkness and would restore peace – peace between people, yes, but peace also between man and his Creator, between sinners and their God.
The birth of baby Jesus in the stable hay was the beginning of God’s war on sin, on death, and on the devil. The Son of God had come in the flesh to infiltrate the enemy’s territory, and by this incursion to sweep up every one of our sins into Himself and put them to death on the cross.
“In Satan’s domain
did the hosts shout and jeer,
For Jesus was slain,
whom the evil ones fear.”
So goes the Easter hymn “He’s Risen, He’s Risen!” It certainly appeared that the enemy had won the battle as the Son of God was condemned to be crucified. But through His sacrificial act, by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, final victory has been achieved. Our sins cannot condemn us. God is no longer our enemy. And Satan’s ability to accuse us has been annihilated! In short, for all who believe in the Son of God, in His atoning death and resurrection from the dead, peace has come. Not a temporary cease-fire in hostilities between God and man, but a real, lasting, eternal peace. And all of this has been accomplished by God, the resulting eternal life being offered to us as a gift by faith. The battle is the Lord’s. The victory is the Lord’s. And it is gifted to us.
“But short was their triumph;
the Savior arose,
And death, hell, and Satan
He vanquished, His foes.
The conquering Lord
lifts His banner on high;
He lives, yes, He lives,
and will nevermore die.”
“Then sing your hosannas
and raise your glad voice;
Proclaim the blest tidings
that all may rejoice.
Laud, honor, and praise
to the Lamb that was slain:
With Father and Spirit
He ever shall reign.”
And so, we celebrate his advent; we celebrate the quiet, wondrous birth of Jesus, the warrior of God who was sent for our salvation and to bring peace between us and God.
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall come to thee,
O Israel!”
We celebrate not only His first coming, but we also look forward in faith to His coming again at the end of time, when He will return with all the angels to take His bride, the Church, and present her to the Father. What a joyous celebration of Christ’s victory that day will be!
A happy Advent season to you all, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.